Altyn Arashan
A picture-perfect alpine valley, Altyn Arashan's natural hot sulphur springs and peaceful beauty make it one of Karakol's most spectacular excursions. In summer, the lush, green valley is dotted with yurts, horses and small groups of cheerful picnickers. Palatka (tent) Mountain, resembling a colossal marquee, looms over the foot of the valley and eagles circle far above. When the winter snows make access by jeep impossible, Altyn Arashan's slow stream of visitors dwindles almost to a halt and the three bathhouse caretakers may not see a new face for weeks at a time. At this time of year, when wolves venture onto the valley floor and the only sound is the crack of avalanches high above, Altyn Arashan takes on an altogether different, wild kind of beauty.). It is possible to bathe year-round in Altyn Arashan's hot sulphur springs, which are said to have healing properties.
Set 17km into the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains, Altyn Arashan can be reached in May-September along a steep, bumpy jeep track running up through the verdant Arashan Gorge. Year-round, a four-hour hike or a three hour ride from the bottom of the gorge will bring you to the Valley. The valley can be visited as a day or overnight trip from Karakol. There are two hostels, each providing basic accommodation (although in summer many visitors prefer to camp or stay in a yurt.
This is an opportunity for non-trekkers to gain a glimpse one of the most quietly spectacular alpine settings in Eastern Kyrgyzstan.
(Healing properties)
Chemical Composition of the Spring Waters at Altyn Arashan
Radon - 3 units
Silica - 80 units
Sodium potassiumate - 97 units
Carbonic gasses - 10 units
Residual sulphate - 56 units
Chlorine - 81 units
Carbon dioxide - 62 units
The spring waters are said to alleviate;
1. Anxiety, insomnia, irritability
2. Inflammation of the nerves, radiculitis and polioarthritis
3. Inflammation of the muscles
4. Inflammation of the bones and marrow
5. Inflammation of the joints
6. RJieumatism and tubercular symptoms
7. Bone disease